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Your Worst Nightmare About Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma It's Coming To Life
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of internal organs. The most significant risk factor is exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers as well as shipyard and factory workers, and veterans are at highest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the protective linings that surround various organs within the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it also can develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. Exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was employed in the construction of structures, homes, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these substances can cause mesothelioma for years after the exposure.

It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to those of other diseases such as lung cancer. Early symptoms include breathing problems, chest pain and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms could emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.

There are four types of mesothelioma and each type has distinct prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, however all types are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that covers vital organs and interferes with their function.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, accounts for just 10% of all mesothelioma diagnoses and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other. The asbestos-related workers or military environments, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related history are among the groups. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lung.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, the cells get damaged, and the genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years to show its first symptoms. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. The doctor will ask about the patient's past asbestos exposure and conduct a physical exam. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases.

In addition to a physical examination the doctor might also suggest blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests may include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the kind of mesothelioma that patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.

During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cell can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two primary kinds and accounts for between 30 and 40 percent of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung's lining (pleura) but it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has properties that resist heat. For decades it was utilized in a variety of American industries due to its inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and fireproof vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. Workers in the construction industry were the most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health issues. The fibers can be swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate mesothelium. Over time irritation can lead to scar tissue, which could cause tumors.


Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent that affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma that may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other ailments. It is important to see your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will conduct an examination of your body and may request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are evident in your body.

Mesothelioma may not be contagious but relatives of those exposed to asbestos are more likely to developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and hair. These individuals could then inhale the asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of secondhand asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when the cells of the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body causing tumors to form.

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or consumed. They may then get lodged within the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

texas asbestos lawsuit -related workers particularly those who were responsible for its removal or handling, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothing. Family members can inhale these fibers when they clean their clothes.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases, it is important to see a physician if you have symptoms that may be related to the disease. These include chest pain, breathing problems or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and whether you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examinations and a chest X-ray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma is diagnosed. These could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can increase the chances of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about the disease and the treatment options available. No obligation, we'll send it to you for free. You can also contact us by dialing 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer your questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the amount of compensation they deserve.